Source: Shareif Ziyadat / Courtesy
Embodying the spirit of giving back to the place that laid his foundation, Sean âDiddyâ Combs took center stage at Howard Universityâs Yardfest. As a proud Howard alumnus, Combs captivated the crowd with an unforgettable performance of his iconic hits including âItâs All About the Benjamins,â âI Need a Girl Part 1,â and âAct Bad.â He also showcased tracks from his new R&B masterpiece âThe Love Album â Off The Grid.â Special appearances were made by artists Kalan.FrFr and Love Records artist, Jozzy, both featured on Diddyâs #1 album âThe Love Album: Off The Grid.â
âAs someone who attended Howard University and values the transformative experience of historically Black colleges, it remains crucial that we strive to protect and uphold their legacy,â stated Sean âDiddyâ Combs as he retured to Howard to present a million-dollar check to his alma mater. âThis donation to Howard is not just a financial contribution; itâs also a reaffirmation of our commitment to a cultural institution that has touched countless lives. Itâs about ensuring that HBCUs continue to receive the support they rightfully deserve.â
âThis is such a tremendously meaningful gift to Howard University, and we are deeply grateful. Since his days here as a student, Sean Combs has always credited Howard for helping him become the groundbreaking entertainer and entrepreneur that he has become. His gift will have a profound impact on our students, paving the way for future leaders. We are honored to have Sean Combs as a part of our Bison family,â said Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., president of Howard University.
Diddy amplified the energy by presenting his third $1 million donation in recent months, this time to Dr. Ben Vinson III, President of Howard University. This marks his second generous contribution to the institution, the first being in September 2016 during his Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour. Mr. Combs fulfilled his promise made at the 2022 BET Awards but also cements his dedication to supporting education. This donation benefits the HBCU community by shedding light on the unwavering commitment to professional development, career progression, and robust backing for HBCU sports and institutions.
Previously, Diddy made headlines in Atlanta, where within a span of 24 hours, he unveiled two major initiatives designed to foster economic empowerment and uphold the legacies of historically Black institutions. At Invest Fest, Combs declared a $1 million investment fund in collaboration with âEarn Your Leisureâ co-founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings. This fund is poised to transform financial discussions into tangible actions, thereby creating a solid blueprint for economic upliftment. Furthermore, at the Cricket MEAC-SWAC Challenge Kickoff, Combs magnanimously donated $1 million from the Sean Combs Foundation to Jackson State University Football, emphasizing the importance of supporting historically Black colleges and universities.
Sean âDiddyâ Combs who recently dropped his highly anticipated number one album, âThe Love Album: Off the Gridâ, is a renowned cultural icon and one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time. He applies that same drive and entrepreneurial spirit to his philanthropic endeavors and with institutions including his Capital Preparatory Charter Schools (located in Harlem, The Bronx and Connecticut), Combs is shaping the future of nearly 1,380 students. Under his Combs Global company, he introduced Empower Global (EG), an e-commerce platform designed to spotlight products from Black entrepreneurs, thus uplifting the Black economy. Additionally, Combs pioneered the âExcellence Programâ with WME, tailored to aid underrepresented college age individuals in the entertainment domain.
His profound impact on Howard and his efforts to invest in DEI initiatives, especially during times of startling cutbacks, epitomize his dedication to change-making and community building. Combsâ commitment to philanthropy has earned him numerous awards including the Triumph Award, Room to Readâs Superhero Award, the Child of America Award, and most recently, the Apollo Icon Award. Huge shoutout to Diddy for continuing to make a difference!
